Boston, Massachusetts – A Duxbury man has been federally indicted for allegedly distributing fentanyl and cocaine across the greater Plymouth area, a case that prosecutors say involved large drug quantities and a related money laundering conspiracy.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Justin Tatum, also known as “JD,” 40, was charged in a six-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury. Prosecutors allege Tatum conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including at least 400 grams of fentanyl, 100 grams of fentanyl analogue, 500 grams of cocaine, and 50 grams of methamphetamine.
The indictment also includes two counts of distributing fentanyl, two counts of possessing narcotics with intent to distribute, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. A second defendant, Trinity Norman, also known as “Trin,” 41, of Plymouth, was indicted on the money laundering conspiracy charge.
Court records state that investigators began focusing on Tatum in December 2024 after cooperating sources alleged he was selling fentanyl and cocaine in Duxbury, Kingston, Middleborough, and Plymouth. Authorities allege controlled purchases were later conducted, and court-authorized wiretaps between April and July 2025 captured discussions related to drug distribution.
On July 14, 2025, law enforcement executed searches at Tatum’s residence and a Middleborough location, where investigators allegedly seized significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Tatum was previously arrested in July 2025 on a criminal complaint and is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 12 in federal court in Boston. Norman was arrested Feb. 2 and released on conditions.
Prosecutors noted that Tatum was convicted in Plymouth Superior Court in 2009 for cocaine trafficking and sentenced to 15 years in state prison.
If convicted, Tatum faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison on the primary drug conspiracy charge. The allegations remain unproven, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case may be of particular relevance to local commuters and families in Plymouth County, where investigators allege drug distribution occurred across multiple towns.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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